Chamber report explores impact of digital revolution on North East businesses
Date published:
The Chamber has today (20 January) released a report which explores the opportunities and challenges around the region’s digital future.
Developed in collaboration with our members, the Digital Report for the North East explores the digital revolution and how businesses can ensure they stay connected, secure and innovative.
The report brings together industry experts and businesses across a range of sectors, including healthcare, marketing, culture, education and finance, and provides insights into new technologies and the huge potential this evolving sector can deliver to support business growth.
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber, said: “This region has made significant strides in digital transformation, with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and cloud computing becoming integral across sectors.
“In this report, we aim to spotlight organisations at the forefront of digital innovation, sharing best practices from local businesses that successfully utilise digital tools to drive growth and resilience.
“We hope this report inspires further digital adoption and inclusivity across the North East, supporting our vision of a digitally empowered, stronger and fairer region.”
The report explores digital evolution opportunities such as digital decarbonisation, the importance of data-driven decisions, creating a future-ready workforce through skills bootcamps, and the power of technology to reach new audiences.
Rachel Williams, head of digital at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, said: “The importance of digital is woven into our business strategy. By expanding our use of digital technology as part of our creative music programme, we have gained another stage beyond the walls of our building.”
Collaboration and planning ahead are highlighted as key throughout the report to ensure a digital-ready North East.
Stuart Fearn MBE, non-executive director at Society Matters Group, said: “Taking the ‘digital leap’ can be daunting, but with excellent planning, purposeful application and the support of reliable partners sharing experience and best practice, it can be the trigger for remarkable improvements.”
Businesses identified that challenges remain around the uptake of new technologies including cyber security, the implications of AI on traditional jobs, and the need for upskilling to bridge the digital skills gap.
The report also raises concerns around the digital divide, with digital poverty limiting access to opportunities for some communities.
Tim added: “Infrastructure disparities mean that many areas remain underserved, lacking the robust connectivity required to support digital engagement fully. Addressing these barriers is essential if we are to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach all parts of the North East.”
We continue to support members across a range of critical issues, as part of our stronger, fairer North East strategy, and have called for action from policymakers to create a clear roadmap for businesses around the digital revolution.
This includes improving infrastructure, creating a digital skills blueprint and supporting SMEs in their adoption of digital technology.
Our Digital Forum is a platform where members can share insights, challenges and strategies. The forum also informs campaign efforts in this area, with an eye toward advancing a digitally inclusive and economically robust North East.
By working with the British Chambers of Commerce on initiatives such as the national digital revolution campaign, North East business needs and insights continue to be represented effectively by the Chamber in government discussions.
Click here to view the Digital Report for the North East.